Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Is The Cause Of Elevated Levels Of AST And ALT With Weight Gain During Pregnancy ?
Hello. I am a 28 yrs old female, no health issues in the past and have recently gained 20 lbs. I am 3 months pregnant and took a blood/urine test for my life insurance . It came back as AST:53, ALT:133. I am going to the doctors today to run more tests. What can cause this? I have been taking prenaital vitamins (extra iron and folic acid ) for the last 5 months. Could it be the extra iron? Could it be the 20 lbs I gained in the last year? My last liver test was in November 2011 and those results were normal. I am 5 6 about 200 lbs. My BMI is 32.3. If it is a fatty liver , what can I do to reduce thee numbers while I am pregnant? Please help! Thank you so much.
Mon, 9 Apr 2012
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,
As your BMI is about 33.28 which is more than 30, you come under obese category. Drugs, chronic alcohol consumption, non alcoholic steatohepatitis and viral hepatitis are common causes associated with raised AST & ALT. Non hepatic causes include Polymyositis, acute muscle injury, acute myocardial infarction & hypothyroidism. AST/ALT ratio of more than 2 is more suggestive of a alcoholic liver disease. As you are obese, you might be suffering with non alcoholic steatohepatitis. Further investigations can only reveal the cause. And if these are suggestive of viral hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, you should consult a Hepatologist.
I hope you will find this information useful.
I wish you good health,
Welcome to HCM,
As your BMI is about 33.28 which is more than 30, you come under obese category. Drugs, chronic alcohol consumption, non alcoholic steatohepatitis and viral hepatitis are common causes associated with raised AST & ALT. Non hepatic causes include Polymyositis, acute muscle injury, acute myocardial infarction & hypothyroidism. AST/ALT ratio of more than 2 is more suggestive of a alcoholic liver disease. As you are obese, you might be suffering with non alcoholic steatohepatitis. Further investigations can only reveal the cause. And if these are suggestive of viral hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, you should consult a Hepatologist.
I hope you will find this information useful.
I wish you good health,
I find this answer helpful
Dear patient,
weight gain in pregnancy is normal. Your gain in weight does not seem to be a cause of worry. Your AST is normal. ALT is raised. I suggest it is good that your have tests done not all abnormal liver test are due to fatty liver. Your extra iron will not lead to liver problems. Once the other tests are done if there is an abnormality I would suggest you have an experienced obstretician to monitor your pregnancy. Any conclusions can only be made after further investigations. I wish you all the best.
take care
Dr.Neerja
weight gain in pregnancy is normal. Your gain in weight does not seem to be a cause of worry. Your AST is normal. ALT is raised. I suggest it is good that your have tests done not all abnormal liver test are due to fatty liver. Your extra iron will not lead to liver problems. Once the other tests are done if there is an abnormality I would suggest you have an experienced obstretician to monitor your pregnancy. Any conclusions can only be made after further investigations. I wish you all the best.
take care
Dr.Neerja
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Fatty liver
Loading Online Doctors....